Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, often referred to as AMD, is a medical condition, which usually causes central vision loss in older adults. AMD can make it difficult or impossible to read or recognize faces, although enough peripheral vision remains to allow other activities of daily life.

AMD is not painful, which may allow it to go unnoticed for some time. Risk factors for macular degeneration may include smoking, obesity, Caucasian, female, and family history.

Having an annual eye exam is important for adults to allow Dr. Boyd F. Young to examine the macula and to measure vision. New research has shown that certain vitamins and proper sunglass protection for ultraviolet sunlight exposure may be helpful to lessen the risk of AMD. Early diagnosis and continued observation by an eye doctor is crucial to protecting eyesight in macular degeneration patients.